Education Commons^™

A Qualitative Descriptive Study Of Enrollment And Retention Trends In Mid-Sized Pennsylvania Rural Band Programs, Adam Brian Nobile

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite many differences across Pennsylvania's rural school districts, band programs face similar recruitment, retention, and matriculation challenges. Rural school districts in Pennsylvania account for 235 of the 499 school districts in Pennsylvania while educating less than 20 percent of the student population in the state. In addition, rural districts often lack the community infrastructure many urban and suburban school districts possess, creating a unique set of circumstances affecting all aspects of programming, including band programs. While rural communities continue to experience a decline in enrollment, many have had, or currently have, successful band programs while overcoming many obstacles that affect …

Sexuality Education In Central Maine High Schools: What's Happening Now And What's Changed In Two Decades?, Morgan Inman

Honors College

This qualitative study aimed to examine sex education in Central Maine high schools. Through interviews with seven teachers who are directly involved in instruction, this study sought to understand the current state of sex education in those schools. Interviews with teachers explored their background and experience, as well as their goals, the topics they cover, and any other sexuality-related programs or services available in their schools. Findings from these teacher interviews were compared to those of a similar study conducted over two decades earlier to look for trends and changes across time. Finding revealed that teachers share many of the …

Soil Health Class-2: Soil Ph, Jiyul Chang, Becki Ritter, Dean Feller, Madhav P. Nepal

iLEARN Teaching Resources

This lesson on soil pH explores the crucial role of soil acidity or alkalinity in plant health and productivity. Soil pH, or potential of Hydrogen ions in soil, is a measure of how acidic or basic soil is. Appropriate soil pH condition is important to grow plants. If soil pH is not appropriate, plants cannot absorb nutrients from soil well, then plants cannot grow well and cannot produce vegetables. This class will show what an appropriate soil pH condition is and how to measure soil pH of garden using simple test kit. Covering the pH scale from acidic to alkaline, …

Skoo-Bee-Dee-Boo-Bop-Scat: The Impacts Of Vocal Jazz Improvisational Techniques On The Secondary Choral Student And Secondary Choral Program, Sara Beth Carroll

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite evidence that vocal jazz improvisation techniques are valuable tools for increased ear training and vocal technique knowledge, the specific impacts of vocal jazz training for the secondary school chorister have yet to be fully expressed. The singing and musicianship benefits of improvisational techniques matter because they impact the young choral singer and the individual student experience in and contribution to the school choir program. This study expressed the impacts of vocal jazz improvisational pedagogy for the secondary school vocalist as a member of the school choir program and the individual student musician. Guided by Eisner’s model of arts-based research, …

Football Connections Impact On High School Graduation: A Qualitative Study, Devin Rakin Allison Sr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to understand the influences that playing high school football has on graduation. The theories guiding this study were the theory of connectedness and the theory of attachment and how students' connections to football helped them achieve the goal of graduation. Ainsworth and Bowlby and their theories of attachment were used to tie football as an extracurricular activity to graduation and why educators push for students to be involved. I attempted to show the benefits that involvement in football helps a student succeed in high school. Themes like connections, support, and academics were revealed …

Perceptions Of Student Loan Debt And The Decision To Pursue Higher Education: A Qualitative Case Study Of African American High School Students, Adrian J. Wilkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this case study was to examine African American high school students’ perceptions surrounding potential student loan debt burden and its perceived influence on the decisions to enter HEIs. The purpose of this study stems from the current status of student loan debt as a significant factor in the decision-making process for potential higher education students as well as current students and those who have graduated. The central research question of this study was what are African American high school student perceptions of student loan debt, student loan debt burden, financial aid, and how are those perceptions influencing …

Integrating Social-Emotional Learning And The 2014 National Music Ensemble Standards In High School Instrumental Programs, David Paul Sohayda

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The combination of academic content standards and social-emotional learning in the high school setting continues to be an underserved area. The high school instrumental ensemble remains a vehicle through which social-emotional learning can flourish through incorporation of the 2014 National Music Ensemble Standards. This qualitative research study seeks to address how a skills-based approach is consistent with and supports the social-emotional learning (SEL) of the high school instrumental student. Identifying perspectives on how integrating the 2014 national ensemble standards and social-emotional learning into the high school ensemble supports content-rich musical development and student mental health, the benefits of SEL, 2014 …

Flipping The Thinking On Equality, Diversity, And Inclusion. Why Edi Is Essential For The Development And Progression Of The Chemical Sciences: A Case Study Approach, M. Anwar H. Khan, Timothy G. Harrison, Magdalena Wajrak, Michele Grimshaw, Kathy G. Schofield, Alison J. Trew, Kulvinder Johal, Jeannette Morgan, Karen L. Shallcross, Joyce D. Sewry, Michael T. Davies-Coleman, Dudley E. Shallcross

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

All learners have a contribution to make to the development of the Chemical Sciences, be that in novel ways to teach, and their perspectives and contexts, but also in research, both in chemical education and the wider Chemical Sciences. Through four case studies, this paper explores interactions with diverse groups and how this has altered perspectives on both teaching and research. The case studies include work with visually impaired adults, a project bringing together First Peoples in Australia with academics to explore old ways (traditional science) and new ways (modern approaches), primary (elementary) school perspectives on teaching science, and a …

Experiences With Technology Among Hispanic High School Graduates: A Phenomenological Study, Robert Donaldson Jr

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe Hispanic high school graduates’ experiences with access to technology in a southeastern suburban area near Atlanta, Georgia. Although there is research that focuses on factors that lead to Hispanics graduating from or dropping out of high school, the existing research has not focused on the experiences with technology among Hispanic high school graduates. The following research question guided this study: What are the described experiences with access to technology among Hispanic high school graduates near Atlanta, Georgia? Kearsley and Shneiderman’s engagement theory (1998) and Brown, Collins, and Duguid’s situated cognition …

Implications Of The Improvement Science Process On Swpbis Implementation At A Title I High School, Cody Rich

Dissertations

Disparities in discipline are well documented throughout our nation as the gap continues to increase (Losen et al., 2015; Losen & Skiba, 2016; Raush & Skiba, 2004; The Civil Rights Data Collection, 2014). Though Black students comprise only 16% of the student population in the United States, they account for nearly half of school suspensions and expulsions (The Civil Rights Data Collection, 2014). In the context of RHS (location of this dissertation in practice), Black students encompass nearly 20% of the student population while accounting for approximately 30% of the total number of referrals. More alarming is that administration suspended …

Teacher Perceptions Of Hazing Among Middle & High School Students: A Phenomenological Study, Delisa A. Joseph

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore teacher perceptions of hazing at the middle and high school levels. Additionally, this study explored coaches’, school counselors’, and school leadership team members’ experiences of hazing among middle and high school students. Relevant literature related to hazing within education, the comparison, and contrast of hazing and bullying, policies, group dynamics, imitation, and student perceptions were reviewed. The theory that guided this study was Albert Bandura’s 1986 Social Cognitive Theory, as it emphasizes social influence and external and internal social reinforcement. The research questions used were (1) What are teachers’ perceptions …

Best Buddies Club: A Phenomenological Study Of The Non-Disabled Peer Perspective On Socially Interacting With Students With Disabilities, Joanna Marie Cavender

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the shared experience of non-disabled peers serving as a “best buddy” to high school students with a disability in the southeastern United States. The theory guiding this study was Vygotsky’s Social Constructivism Theory, where learning between two diverse learners occurs through social interaction with one another, specifically a high school student with a disability and a non-disabled peer buddy. Participants in this study (N=14) were selected from three different high schools throughout one school district, each with active extracurricular Best Buddies Clubs in place. Data were collected through 1:1 interviews, …

Whatsapp Use In Teaching And Learning During Covid-19 Pandemic Period: Investigating The Initial Attitudes And Acceptance Of Students, Nana Osei Bonsu, Brandford Bervell, Jusitce Kofi Armah, Simon-Peter Kafui Aheto, Valentina Arkorful

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study explores the acceptance and use of WhatsApp messenger for teaching and learning in senior high school during the COVID-19 pandemic period. This research adapted TAM as its theoretical model. The participants of the study were 62 history students from a senior high school in Ghana. The study also adopted a questionnaire as the research instrument. The data collected from the participants were then analysed using the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation analysis. The results from the study show that ease of use of WhatsApp Messenger, usefulness of WhatsApp Messenger, technological challenges, and student attitude towards WhatsApp Messenger use determines students’ …

A Collective Case Study Of Teachers’ Perceptions Of Factors That Impact Teacher Retention At A Title I High School In A Southern U.S. State, Laronica Deniece Gilmore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this collective case study was to understand secondary teachers’ perceptions of the factors that influenced teacher retention at a Title I high school in a southern U.S. state. Although researchers have investigated the problem of teacher retention, few have studied factors that have influenced teacher retention in Title 1 high schools. The theories that guided this study included job demands-resources theory which analyzes employee well-being. This collective case study captured the insights of 10–15 current and former teachers at a Title I high school in a southern U.S. state. Data were collected through interviews, focus groups, and …

Students' Evangelical Worldview In Public High School Content Areas: A Phenomenological Analysis, Russell Allen

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Although much research has been conducted regarding Christian worldview in private high schools and Christian colleges, very little information exists regarding Christian worldview at public high schools. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study is to describe how 10 evangelical students in public high schools interpret content areas through their worldview. The study answered the following critical question: How do evangelical students in public high schools interpret content areas through their worldviews? Participants were found using criterion sampling in central Pennsylvania and document analysis, interviews, and focus groups were used to collect data. Moustakas’s (1994) approach was used for data …

Modeling Through Model-Eliciting Activities: An Analysis Of Models, Elements, And Strategies In High School. The Cases Of Students With Different Level Of Achievement, Jair J. Aguilar

Teaching and Learning Faculty Publications and Presentations

A mathematical client-driven task known as Model-Eliciting Activities was implemented with students of different levels of achievement (i.e., low, average, and high) at the high-school level. The study strived to prove that Model-Eliciting Activities can be solved by students at any achievement level and be used as an assessment tool. Students collaborated in teams of three to develop solutions that met the client’s needs. The model-solutions were compared and contrasted among several dimensions and achievement levels, considering the quality of the final product-solution based on the Quality Assessment Guide, the intermedia product composed of the type of models created, the …

The Health Sciences And Technology Academy (Hsta): Providing 26 Years Of Academic And Social Support To Appalachian Youth In West Virginia, Ann Chester, Sherron Mckendall, Alan Mckendall, Michael Mann, Alfgeir Kristjansson, Robert Branch, Bethany Hornbeck, Catherine Morton, Summer Kuhn, Feon Smith Branch, Charlene Barnes-Rowland

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The Health Sciences and Technology Academy’s, (HSTA) goals are to increase college attendance of African American, financially disadvantaged, first generation college and rural Appalachian youth and increase health-care providers and STEM professionals in underserved communities. Students enter in the 9th grade and remain in HSTA four years. They engage in a rigorous academic program within the nurturing environment of small after-school clubs punctuated by yearly summer camps on multiple college campuses. A distinctive piece of HSTA is its students’ development of research projects under the mentorship of teachers and researchers that examine and address health issues faced by their communities. …

Middle And High School Teacher Perceptions Of Training To Manage Disruptive Students, Kelly Mero

Walden Faculty and Staff Publications

Schoolteachers report a lack of resources and training to manage disruptive student behavior that presents as antisocial, problematic, and/or symptomatic of mental illness. Disruptive student behaviors have a negative impact on students socially and academically. The social cognitive theory and social learning theory guided the research questions to examine differences in perceptions of 195 urban general and special educators in middle and high school regarding their skills to manage disruptive student behavior and teachers’ need for professional training to manage disruptive student behavior. A 2X2 between-groups nonparametric survey research design was used, and the two dependent variables were measured using …

A Phenomenological Study Examining The Experiences Of Female High School Career And Technical Education Completers Who Participated In A Technology-Based Program Of Study, Stephen Christopher Tate

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate how female high school students who earned Career and Technical Education (CTE) completer status in a technology-based program of study (POS) in Virginia describe their experiences. CTE completer status is defined as having met the Virginia Department of Education’s CTE completer requirements in a technology-based POS. This study was guided by three theories: Self-efficacy theory was applied as it relates to the participants’ status as completers in a technology-based CTE POS; Role-congruity theory suggests that men and women occupy social roles with attendant stereotypes which contributed to how participants described their …

A Multiple Case Study Examining How Christian Education Has Influenced A High School Graduates’ Worldview, William Lawrence Lorigan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple case study was to understand how the Christian education offered by Country Lakes School System (CLSS; pseudonym) has influenced the worldview of its graduates. CLSS defines a biblical worldview as follows: “The entire process of education is seen as a means used by God to bring the student into fellowship with Himself, to develop a Christian mind in him and to train him in Godly living so that he can fulfill God’s total purpose for his life.” The theoretical framework that guided this study was Sire’s three-dimensional concept of worldview, which served as a basis …

The Effects Of Enrollment In Remedial Classes On Students’ High School Graduation Rates, Amy Paulson Bennett

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects on high school graduation rates of students who are placed in remedial and non-remedial classes while controlling for the students’ attendance rates. The importance of this study is to identify indicators which can positively or negatively affect high school graduation rates. The results may provide information to improve the historical low high school graduation rates. It is a quantitative study using a causal comparative design. Archival data will be retrieved from four public high schools in the panhandle of Florida. 00 students will be sampled, with 00 female students and …

High School Language Students' And Teachers' Perceptions Of Effective Teaching Practices: A Collective Case Study, Janet Lynn Lainé

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The influence of globalization on today’s society has propagated an increasing need for individuals who are able to communicate in languages other than English. However, while a large percentage of high school students recognize the importance of a second language (L2) for future jobs, only a very small percentage of students pursue advanced language study at universities, an aspect that may be due to disparate notions about effective foreign language teaching practices. The purpose of this collective instrumental case study was to understand the perceptions of effective language teaching practices for high school language students and teachers at two independent …

Understanding Father Involvement Regarding The Academic Success Of African American Males In Urban High Schools, Temujin H. Taylor

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

There is a great deal of evidence that parental involvement is positively related to how children and adolescents perform in school (Flouri & Buchanan, 2004; McLanahan, Tach, & Schneider, 2013). Few studies (Battle & Scott, 2000; Reynolds, Howard, & Jones, 2015) have specifically looked at the influence of fathers and non-biological father figures on the educational outcomes of African American adolescents. Father involvement is crucial to the academic success of African American males. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to understand the experiences of involved African American fathers regarding the academic success of their high school age sons? …

High School Science And Social Studies Teachers' Self-Efficacy Regarding Literacy Instruction: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Jennifer L. Ryan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore high school teachers’ self-efficacy regarding the incorporation of literacy instruction in high school science and social studies classes in a rural, public school district. In this qualitative research study, self-efficacy was generally defined as the teachers’ belief in how well they succeed at the task of including literacy instruction into their content area lessons. Albert Bandura’s (1997) self-efficacy theory and Shulman's (1986) pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) theory guided this study as it explored the teachers’ beliefs in their teaching abilities. Literacy instruction was defined as explicit instruction in word study, …

Addressing The Needs Of High School English Learners Through Inclusion In General Education Classrooms: A Descriptive Case Study Of A Midwestern Metropolitan Public School District, Amanda Levos

Department of Educational Administration: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

English Learners (EL) and those students’ redesignated language proficient, or more accurately described as emergent bilingual or multilingual learners; make up a significant subset of the student population of high schools throughout the country. ELs may be vulnerable to academic failure in core academic subject areas due to limited language proficiency and potential gaps in formal education. Every school district creates a continuum of services to educate students at various levels of English language acquisition, which more than likely will include inclusion in the general education classroom. The challenge for districts is ensuring that general education teachers have the knowledge, …

Academic Remediation: A Qualitative Case Study Of High School Tier 2 Programs, Tamantha Champion Hurt

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this single case study was to examine the implementation of remediation programs in a rural public high school in Virginia. The theories that guided this study were Bandura’s (1997) social cognitive theory and self-efficacy theory as well as Dweck’s mindset theory as both theorists helped in identifying teachers’ beliefs in their ability to successfully implement remediation programs at the high school level. Surveys were used to identify individual participants based on their current implementation of remediation and their willingness to participate in this case study. Classroom observations were conducted in order to examine the current remediation practices …

My Pop-Up Shoppe, Brenna Backemeyer

Honors Theses

My Pop-Up Shoppe is a curriculum to teach students problem-solving and independent learning through running a small business. Everything needed to facilitate a My Pop-Up Shoppe experience where students will take part in a hands-on, real-life entrepreneurial journey is included. During My Pop-Up Shoppe, students will receive a product provided by the facilitator, school or organization and be challenged to turn the product into a running business with real sales and customers. The facilitator will empower students to be startup founders. The suggested timeline of My Pop-Up Shoppe is anywhere from a weekend to two-weeks.

The curriculum package gives instructions …

A Comparison Of High School Students Who Participate In Athletics Verses Non-Athletes On Seven Dimensions Of Work Ethic, Roy Jonathan Shipley

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study compared the differences in work ethic dimension scores between high school student-athletes and students who do not participate in athletics. The underlying problem was that there is not enough research in this area and that current available studies provide conflicting information. The purpose of the study was to examine the differences in seven work ethic dimension scores from the Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP) between student-athletes and non-athletes. The study used a quantitative, causal-comparative design to examine the differences in the two pre-existing groups. The convenience sample of participants (N = 144) were selected from an available population …

High School Physical Education And Its Effects On Fitness Center Participation After Graduation: A Case Study, David C. Barney, Nathan Kahaialii

Faculty Publications

For those that send off their child into the world, it is hoped they will recall what was taught to them. This applies to high school (HS) physical education (PE) teachers and their students that graduate from HS. The purpose of this case study was to assess current HS PE teachers, fitness club personnel, those that frequent fitness clubs and current HS students regarding HS PE preparing HS students for real world application regarding fitness. Participants from these four groups were interviewed to help better understand the preparation of graduated HS students participating in health clubs. From this case study …

Finding Their Place: An Ethnographic Study Of The Culture Of Students Attending A Rural, Self-Paced, Alternative Evening High School, Teena Atkins

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this ethnographic study was to provide a cultural portrait as well as identify methods of success of nontraditional students attending a self-paced, alternative evening high school in the southeast region of the United States in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. An ethnographic research design was utilized employing data triangulation through observations, interviews, focus group, and journals as methods of data collection. Participants included nontraditional students who were currently attending or recently graduated from an alternative evening high school in the southeast region of the United States. This study sought to better understand what factors contributed to …